Monday, July 21, 2008

It has been requested that I illustrate what is going on in the world of sports through my intricate MS Paint works of art, so that being said, here is the first installment of FRD's illustrated segment, See You Next Tuesday. I call this piece, "Who the Hell Do You Think You Are?"

I'm lazy and have been trying to think of something to write about so I'll steal Detroit's previous post and answer those questions myself. A sort of FRD Roundtable or some shit like that. I am not nearly the college football "expert" that he is, but I do really, really enjoy it. I was never a big college football guy until I started at Ohio State however, so most of the things I truely enjoy happened 2002 and later. Whatever. Here goes.

What aspect of college football should you care about, but really don't?

Army-Navy. These teams aren't any good. Yeah, sure, go USA and all that, but as far as actual football is concerned, so what?

Should a two-loss LSU team have won the national title?

Absolutely. Like my colleague said, the system that is in place was in place for everyone. As Joe Morgan would have said if asked "There were no great teams last year." Which is kind of true. There were no undefeated teams or teams that blew everyone away and had only one loss. Ohio State backed in in a sense, but they deserved to be there. LSU came out on top of the two-loss teams and deserved to be there.

How should college football be more like the NFL?

It shouldn't. I hate the NFL. The game is boring to watch. The players are all assholes. (Note: I have never met an NFL player but from what I can tell as a fan, these guys are fucking doucherockets.) I can't stand the NFL so if anything it should try to be more like college football which is unbelieveable.

Your college football guilty pleasure?

I wish I could say recruiting. I tried to get into it but that lasted about two weeks. I attempted to dive into message boards with people who "know their shit" but the vast majority of them are homer assholes who think everything their school does is perfect and if someone doesn't say something that is 100% in favor of their program they are horrible people. So for lack of anything else I'll say co-eds. I don't really feel too guilty about this now, but soon they will be younger than my sister and that will make me feel dirty.

How/why is the BCS better than a playoff?

I'm not so sure that it is, to be honest and I love bowl games and the bowl season. The only problem is that there hasn't been a playoff system brought up that won't have the same pit falls as the BCS. Sure, invite 8 teams to the playoff. What about team 9? What about team 10 who thinks they should be team 8? In many ways, this could be far worse than asking "Who's number 2?" Or you could say that the champs from the major conferences get into the playoff. Then you'll have southern dickhats saying that the number 3 team in the SEC is more deserving than the top team in the Big Ten. Or all these conferences that have championship games will bitch and moan about that. Here's an idea, ass, get rid of the championship game. No one told you to have it. Quit trying to be a fucking martyr.

I'm not buying into.....?

The SEC. I hate the south. I hate southerners. They are backwards, racist and overwhelmingly retarded. It's your fucking bible-thumping faults that our country is going down the shitter. Your conference ain't all that good, either. Sure you've won back to back national titles but so fucking what. SEC speed is non-existant as well. I also get the feeling that most of the fans of SEC schools did not attend said university. Which is also the case here in Columbus and I hate those people with a passion. "Oh you love OSU? You bleed scarlet and gray? Where did you go? Toledo? Shut the fuck up, stupid, and give me my burger." I earned the right to live and die with Ohio State athletics. Just because you grew up in Grove City, Ohio doesn't give you the right. You didn't go to OSU for a reason. (Note: Wow, I went off topic.)

Just how bad is the Big Ten?

Blow me. Sure the bottom half is awful. But I will take the programs of OSU, Michigan, Penn State and even Wisconsin over those southern programs in a second. The Big Ten had an off year and still managed to get a team into the National Title game. And don't pull that "They didn't deserve to be there" whiney bullshit either. Yes they did. And they lost. Talk to me about your wonderful SEC in 5 years. MIDWEST WHAT!

Florida State - Bowden will still be there as corrupt as ever. I'll say they are a decent team in the ACC again but not a national title contender. Outside shot at Top 25.

Miami - The U will always get talent there. I'm fairly certain it isn't even really a school and the only people that go there are athletes. It's like Oak Hill Academy and Tom Zemansky's School of Baseball rolled into one. A force in the ACC, moreso than FSU. Back in the national title picture until they lose a stupid game or two midway through the season. Top 15-25.

Notre Dame - As much as I hate them, it's Notre Dame. Their recruitment rankings will always look a little better than they really are just because of where the "experts" went to school. They're going to get big time talent there though. His coaching abilities aside, Charlie Weis has his own gravitational pull and the talent will come to him. They are a traditional power and they are clearly headed in the right direction even though it is blatantly racist and no one will say shit. Top 10-20.

Michigan - Oh boy. This year they are going to suck. But again, it's fucking Michigan. SEC Dick: What about Alabama? Shutup moron. High school kids are always going to want to play for Michigan, it's a no brainer. By 2010 they are where they once were. A Big Ten contender year in and year out as well as a national title contender. Top 10.

Nebraska - No. Plain and simple. No. This program fucked itself. It's going to be longer than 2010 for them to right the ship, Osborne or not. No chance at Top 25.

How much do you care about non-BCS teams?

Not a whole lot, but I do like to see them play. I don't want Hawaii, TCU and Boise State saying they should be playing for a national title, but to get to see them in big time bowls against traditional powers is pretty entertaining.

When should players be eligible for the draft?

As Mr. Browne said, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

The next really big super power will be?

That depends on how you are going to describe "super power". If we are talking about a team that is a national title contender every single year no matter what and is a school that players from all over the country want to go to then I'll say USC. Plus, they are ahead of any other school in becoming a super power already so chances are they'll get there first. Hell, they might already be there.

Best and worst interview you've ever done.

I was interviewed for my school paper once about our hockey team. Sad thing is, my quote never made it into the article. I was destined for greatness as a sophmore in high school.

2003 Fiesta Bowl OSU vs. Miami - Best BCS Championship game ever. That overtime took years off my life.

2006 Rose Bowl Texas vs. USC - Vince Young. Period. Plus I remember betting a lot of money on both Texas and the over. I thought I was screwed and next thing I knew I had won. Hook 'em horns.

2006 Ohio State vs. Texas - Great game? No, not really. But I love Austin and the road trip to that game might be the highlight of my life. Yes, the 2005 game was better but 2006 was way more fun.

The one guy you want coaching your team?

Tough one. Bear Bryant had cool hats. Woody Hayes punched a dude. But they're both dead. I'll go Pete Carroll. Probably not the best X's and O's guy, but with the whole package a college football coach needs to bring to the table, I'll take him.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

A minor housekeeping note here before the post. I've been doing some work on the format of the blog the last fews days (mostly minor stuff like the links on the side) but it's mostly a trial and error process or at least something to pay attention to over the next week.

Recently College Football news ran a segment expert round table discussion, featuring some of the so-called top experts in the college football landscape. You can read their answers to the 16 questions posed here. To totally and complete rip them off I will provide my own answers to the questions here at FRD because as we all know I'm probably like the foremost college football expert in the country (or at least a highly thought of young mind.) The questions are in bold my answers are not incase you couldn't figure it out.

What aspect of college football should you care about, but really don't?

If I actually took the time to think about this one for awhile I might be able to think of a couple of things, but the answer off the top of my head is steroids. Same is the case in all sports, I just don't really care about them. I hope there is testing in place to pick these guys out, and I certainly think there is some moral aspect to the issue, but in reality it's just something I don't want to spend a lot of time thinking about.

Should a two-loss LSU team have won the national title?

In the system we have in place they won it fair and square. Everyone plays by the same rules and knew that going in. Also, I had them at #1 to start the year last year and thought they really were the best team.

How should college football be more like the NFL?

It's shouldn't in anyway. The uniqueness is what makes it so special. There is a reason I don't watch the NFL.

Your college football guilty pleasure?

Recruiting- I'm way too into it. It might be the number one guilty pleasure in my life period. I do see the creepiness of it, especially now that I'm much older than the recruits.

How did you get into college football?

I grew up in it. Saturdays in the fall are meant for college football. My family has had the same season tickets since before I was born and growing up in the midwest I couldn't possibly ignore it. I literally think I can remember every game I've been to in some way or another.

How/why is the BCS better than a playoff?

Now I'm a traditionalist and respect the bowl games, but even I in the current format would favor a playoff. The problem is I have yet to see a playoff system that would address the problems of the BCS any better than the bowl system does. Making the regular season important and keeping the season shorter are also ways it's better than a playoff.

I'm not buying into.....?

The plus-one game argument. People claim it's the logical compromise between a playoff and the BCS, but it's a bag of worms I want nothing to do with. If a team completes the regular season and bowl game as the lone undefeated and then loses to a 1 or 2 loss team in the plus one- I'm not buying into that. Also include mid-majors in this- I'm not buying into them either. Yes the 85 scholarship limit has created more parity but the six major conferences are still much better.

Just how bad is the Big Ten?

Easy answer is not that bad. Sure I'm slightly biased in this one but the balance in power in college football moves in cycles. The speed argument is absolute shit and ignorant at that. The only thing which might hurt the big ten is their increased academic standards over other conferences, although that's been falling recently. For those of you who don't know the Big Ten created their own standards for academics for kids to qualify on top of those of the NCAA- which makes it more difficult to qualify a kid in the Big Ten than say the SEC. In the end though the Big Ten will be back, it had a bad year last year, but should be improved this year and eventually will be back on top.

Do you have any problem with Tim Tebow winning two Heismans?

If he earns them, then no. But I will be a little sad that Archie won't be the only one anymore.

Tough question but I would probably go in order Notre Dame 10-15 in the country, Michigan 15-25, Miami 20-25 if they get their attitude together, Florida State and Nebraska just outside the top 25.

How much do you care about non-BCS teams?

Truthfully, not that much. I'm of the belief that they simply aren't as good no matter what people say. Sure 1-3 of them might be able to play with the big boys every year and the product is much improved over 10 years ago, but there is a reason why the same teams have been winning titles for the last 50+ years. I'd still rather watch a match-up of MAC bottom dwellers than an NFL game any day.

When should players be eligible for the draft?

I'm not sure I care, I think they rule they have now is pretty good. Yes I can see the argument about being able to go whenever they think they are ready and someone is willing to pay them, but if it's not broke, don't fix it.

The next really big super power will be ?

China....still reading this? Seriously though I'd say Alabama because I'd argue they haven't been a super power in 10 years. If you don't accept that and are thinking more long term I'd say Florida.

Great question I'll start with favorite players even though some of these guys were around before I was around.

Chris Speilman

Anthony Gonzalez

AJ Hawk

Derrick Alexander

Jay Reimersma

5 best players I've seen...thinking about this I realized I have seen 9 Heisman winners in my 23 years on this planet.

Charles Woodson- you knew he was getting the ball and teams couldn't stop him

Vince Young- It seemed so easy for him, that he was barely trying but was still so good.

Troy Smith- Only his 2006 season prior to that I was skeptical, but he had the most growth of any player I've seen

Donovan McNabb- Overwhelming talent.

Derrick Alexander- loved watching this guy play WR, seems to always be making highlight real catches, but then again I was like 6 or 7 years old.

Krenzel barely missed making my 5 favorite players. I sometimes forget how good OSU was in 2003

5 favorite games... I'm going to break this down into two lists (5 favorite I've seen in person and 5 best games I've seen overall.) The first one will be the one's I've seen in person

Michigan-OSU 2006- My senior year of college. The absolute perfect setup for my senior year of college. Ended great for me, but the bowl just didn't turn out so well

Michigan- Colorado 1993- The hail mary game. When everyone stood up on the final play my view got blocked and didn't actually see Westbrook catch it.

Michigan- Alabama 2000 Orange Bowl- First overtime game I saw and great game overall, with ending that didn't do it service. My first run in with Alabama fans and their unrealistic expectations.

OSU-Texas 2005- Although the ending was not very kind to me and I had a much better time the year after in Austin, I'll give the nod that the one in columbus was a better game.

Michigan-OSU 2003- 100th game in the series with two really good teams that year. OSU was a lot closer to pulling this one out than most people remember.

Five best games

OSU-Miami 2003 Fiesta Bowl- Still in my mind the greatest national title game. Something like 85 players from the combined rosters played in the NFL later.

Michigan-OSU 2006- Making both of my lists.

USC-ND 2005- Too bad I have both teams.

Florida State-Virginia 1995- FSU's first ACC lost on a thursday night game. Warrick Dunn comes up just short on a direct snap at the end.

USC-Texas Rose Bowl 2006. - I'm not really a huge fan of this game because I don't think this USC team was as good as everyone thinks. They were also playing their worst football at the end of the regular season and should have lost to Fresno State. Vince Young's performance though was totally dominating and it had a great 4th quarter.

The one guy you want coaching your team?

Tough question. If I had to pick a guy to build a program I go with Tressel. If I needed a guy to win one game I think I go with Urban Meyer, but his bowl game last year makes me wonder.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

We've broken down every conference over the last few days so all that is left is the national scene. Let me start by saying I reserve the right to change this before the start of the season, but I most likely will stick with it.

The top 5 teams are, in my opinion, the major national title contenders. After that I could see the next 7 teams as being sleeper title contenders. After that it's pretty much up for grabs and I expect a lot of fluctuation like we saw in last years top 25 poll. This poll should be update weekly throughout the season.

Oklahoma

Florida

Ohio State

USC

Georgia

LSU

Auburn

Penn State

Missouri

Wisconsin

Clemson

Texas

South Florida

Arizona State

Tennessee

Texas Tech

Virginia Tech

Notre Dame

West Virginia

TCU

Pitt

Cincinnati

BYU

Alabama

Michigan State

FRD's Pre-season All-American Team

QB- Tim Tebow, FloridaDE- George Selvie, USF

RB- Beanie Wells, OSUDT- Fili Moala, USC

RB- DeMarco Murray, OklahomaDT- Ricky Jean-Francois, LSU

WR- Vidal Hazelton, USCDE- Maurice Evans, PSU

WR- Jeremy Maclin, MizzouLB- James Laurinaitis, OSU

TE- Travis Beckum, WiskyLB- Rey Maualuga, USC

OL- Alex Mack, CalLB- Brandon Spikes, Florida,

OL- Duke Robinson, OklahomaCB- Malcom Jenkins, OSU

OL- Steve Rehring, OSUCB- Macho Harris, VT

OL- Andre Smith, BamaS- Nic Harris, Oklahoma

OL- Eugene Monroe UVAS- Taylor Mays, USC

K- Sam Swank, WakeP- AJ Trapasso, OSU

Heisman Watch List: Let me say I'm downright terrible at predicting the Heisman winner. In past years I've predicted Chris Sims, Roy Williams, Dwayne Jarrett, Chris Leak and Steve Slaton. Hopefully I'm not a jinx as I have too much invested emotionally in this years pick

Jimmy Clausen needs to stop being a d-bag and help his team win games this year.

So I've loaded up the blog with previews here tonight, but I'm battling a bad case of insomnia mixed with subtle panic attack dealing with law school so it's been kind of an escape. Disregard the typo's- I know there is a lot and if I can stay alert enough tomorrow I will fix them- I promise.

On to the topic of the post. These will not be as detailed as the BCS conference previews because I'm not sure anyone cares to look at them. If you really want my total breakdown of any of these teams or conferences shoot me an email and I'll get it to you. Also, I figure I should make it known (for the future of this blog) that I hate underdogs, mid-majors, whatever else you call them. I view them as a novelty in the landscape of college athletics. I have significantly more interest in Division III football or High School football than I do in who wins the Sun Belt conference. Although I do pay attention to the Sun Belt and if there was no other games on I would happily watch it.

Conference and Team Projections:

Mountain West:

BYU- 9-3- Might be getting a little too much credit in some pre-season publications but a solid team overall who should hang around the top 25.

Utah-9-3- A team I definitely think is overrated in the national scene. If they can beat Michigan the opening weekend, and they do have a chance, I might be wrong.

TCU- 9-3- The team I think most likely to challenge BYU for the conference title.

Air Force-7-5- So hard to gauge these teams because the turnover, but they play a solid brand of football and should be competitive again.

New Mexico- 5-7-I have next to nothing to offer on this team. Should be just around bowl level.

San Diego State- 5-7- Might be time for Chuck Long to produced. Team is getting better but could/should be there already in my opinion.

Colorado State-4-8- They are no longer the mid-major power they once were. Program on the decline for sure.

Wyoming-4-8- Difficult team to judge, not good enough to go bowling but good enough to win some games.

UNLV- 3-9- One of the bottom 5 programs in America. I would be shocked at 3 wins or more.

WAC:

Fresno State- 9-3- A program that is always tough and has to be respected for willing to play anyone. Probably their best team in a couple of years and maybe good enough to sneak into the top 25.

Boise State-10-2- This year's Hawaii. An easy schedule will have them in the national discussion, but this is not the team of 2 years ago. If they get anywhere near a BCS game they will get murdered.

Nevada-7-5- Chris Ault does a really nice job with this program. Probably able to hack out a bowl game.

New Mexico State-6-6- Blah. Terrible with the football last year.

Hawaii- 5-7- June Jones is gone and that might be the signal of bad things for the rainbow warriors. Tough place to win, but they have won and might be able to keep that attitude.

San Jose St.- 4-8- Trying to get better, but just can't make it over that edge. +13 in turnovers and still couldn't turn it into a winning record.

Idaho-2-10- Bottom 5 program year in year out. Not sure anyone can win here.

Utah State-1-11- I can only think of one team worse in college football this year.

The MAC: Because I live in the region I'm partial to the MAC. After a good run about 5-8 years ago the league has really fallen off. Should be a better brand of football this year than we've seen in awhile, but still a largely wide open league. I'd cheer for Ball State to beat anyone in college football but Ohio State (There's a long story behind this).

Central Michigan-7-5- The head of the MAC the past few seasons. They might just be able to hang on for another season

Ball State- 8-4- I love their coach Brady Hoke- there might not be a better guy in college football. A good team last year that couldn't play a lick of defense but could score some points. Nearly everyone is back, but I'm not sure how much better they could get.

Miami-7-5- Probably the best squad since the days of Big Ben.

Kent State-5-7- Good little running back in Eugene Jarvis but not a lot else to get excited about.

Bowling Green- 6-6- Challenging schedule, but has some strength returning from a good team last year. Record might not show improvement even if it's there.

Toledo-5-7- Had a good season last year considering some major off the field distractions. Struggling to regain momentum of a few seasons ago

Western Michigan-7-5- Should be in position to challenge for MAC crown with a few breaks.

Akron-4-8- Roughly the same as last year.

Ohio- 4-8- Better than their record will show. Games against Wyoming and Northwestern offer chances to build something heading into the conference slate.

Northern Illinois-3-9- Program in transition. Turnover machine last year.

Temple-4-8- They return 22 starters and I only have them at 4 wins for a reason.

Buffalo-4-8- People give Turner Gill credit for almost having them .500 last year. Good amount of that team is back so there is opportunity but I'm not sure there is the talent.

Eastern Michigan-2-10- Doormat program. Needs something to get them going, I have no idea what that is.

Conference USA:

Tulsa-9-3- Still a step ahead of the conference in terms of talent and program.

Memphis-8-4- Good enough to challenge for the conference, but not sure Tommy West will have them ready.

Houston-7-5- Art Briles did such a good job here, I hope they can keep it going. Important season for the program.

Southern Miss-7-5- New coach but I dont expect improvement anywhere on the field.

UCF-6-6- George O'leary's done a nice job here but loses a ton of offense.

East Carolina- 5-7- Skip Holtz proved he can coach, need to pull off a couple of upsets to be bowl eligible.

Marshall-5-7- Former OSU guy Marc Snyder had a rough start, but they are slowly improving.

UTEP-4-8- Not sure there is much improvement here for Mike Price

Tulane-3-9- I like Bob Toledo but he doesn't have much to work with here. Huge offensive losses.

SMU-3-9- I could be totally off on this one cause I have that much respect for June Jones, but I'll give him a year to get his system in place.

Rice-2-10- Phil Steele says this team will be much better, but they were downright awful last year. I'm not sure I see reasons they wont be again this year.

UAB-2-10- They have tons of JC players coming in and they need to be ready to contribute right away.

Sun Belt:easily the worst conference in college football this year.

FAU-8-4- Great job building this program in less than 10 years. Pretty amazing they can compete as well as they do.

Troy-7-5- Not as good as the teams from the last couple of years ago, bringing in a ton of JC players,

Louisiana-Monroe-5-7-Middle of the pack team with decent amount of returning players.

Middle Tennessee State-5-7- they find ways to be around .500 it seems like every year.

Louisiana-Lafayette-3-9- They've never been to a bowl. It's not going to happen this year.

Arkansas State-3-9- They've had a good three year run, even making a bowl once, but it's going to be a long season for the Red Wolves.

North Texas-2-10- Good QB prospect in Riley Dodge maybe he can steal some games for them, but unlikely.

FIU-1-11- Program that can't seem to get it going, but with their location and ability to take questionable characters, they could turn it around fast. It just won't be this year.

Western Kentucky- 2-10- Transitioning to division 1 and probably one of the worst teams in it this year. Pulled off a winning record last year, so I could be totally off on this, it's very hard to judge.

Independents:

Notre Dame-8-4- Easy schedule allows for them to be in much better shape than last year. Talent is starting to contribute, but much is overrated. If the O-line doesn't improve it might not matter. Should be in the top 25.

Navy-4-8- Could be tough without Paul Johnson, but I hope they surprise me.

Army-3-9- Hope they do better, but nearly impossible to have a winning season here.

Tony Soprano sucked Greg Schiano back in just when he thought he was out.

FRD's own Rev. Woodrow Morris has predicted Brian Brohm will win the heisman for the last 3 years, so perhaps this will finally be the year.

In reality the Big East might be better top to bottom than it has been in the past couple of years, but it lacks an elite team. Realistically WVU, USF, Pitt, Cincinnati, and Rutgers could all compete for the title.

Team Projections-

USF- 9-3- Should be an exciting defense coming back, but the offense is overrated. My pick for best team in the league. Probably the best chance of any conference team to run the table.

West Virginia-8-4 - Lots of speed is back and they can probably beat anyone, but I think they could struggle. I hear horror stories about how bad of Coach Bill Stewert is so that should be interesting.

Cincinnati-9-3- Brian Kelly has done a nice job here mixing in his system with what Coach Dantonio left him. Demetrius Jones might be the perfect guy to run the offense. One of the major up and coming programs.

Pitt- 8-4- Put up or shut up time for this program. There is enough talent there, although some of it is young, to make a run at things.

Rutgers-7-5- How big of loss is Ray Rice? If they can find a replacement for him they might be able to challenge for the title.

UConn-5-7- I had this team listed at 6-6 but that seems too generous. I don't know how this team had success last year, the one time I saw them they were god awful. Back to reality for the Huskies.

Louisville- 5-7- They were the most lost team in the country on defense last year. However, a year ago I was being told Hunter Cantwell was the 2nd best QB prospect in the country and now he gets his chance to start.

Miami missed this level of fight when they were losing 48-0 in the final game of the Orange Bowl

The ACC is known as a basketball conference for a reason, and that shouldn't change this year. The struggles of Miami and FSU have really hurt the quality of this conference, and I think it's safe to say no one saw that coming when this conference expanded some years ago.

This year's clear favorite in the conference is Clemson and I agree with that. They should be on the cusp of competing for a national title, but as usual I think their mental makeup will prevent them from getting there. This might be the hardest conference to predict of any. The teams that are returning talent have a history of collapses and the teams that are usually consistent are faced with down years talent wise. I look for Clemson, Wake, FSU, UNC and Virginia Tech to makeup the top of the conference crown and go bowling.

Team Predictions-

Clemson-9-3- Lots of talent and exciting talent at that, but can you ever really trust this team. I expect them to blow games they shouldn't once again.

Virginia Tech-9-3- They find ways to win. Better quarterback play could make them the favorites.

Florida State- 8-4- What is going on with this program? the talent has certainly dropped off at the skill positions and they seem to have bad chemistry. Won't compete again until they can find a QB and RB.

Wake Forest- 7-5- I should watch this pick as I always undervalue them, but seriously can they keep it up. Good defense back and you have to trust Jim Grobe will have them ready.

UNC-7-5- Really looking forward to seeing this team. I liked what I saw last year despite them having a terrible record. I trust Butch Davis is building something here but the talent is still young and raw. They might still be a year away.

Maryland-6-6- Fridge can coach but I don't see anything special here.

Boston College- 5-7- If they can find some offense they could be somewhere around 8 wins. Defense should keep them in some games but they are rebuilding after a solid year last season.

Miami- 5-7- They have top 15 talent in the country, but honestly what I think is the worst coach. There is an infusion of talent and attitude, but if they struggle early, as I expect, they will most likely quit.

Georgia Tech- 5-7- Can Paul Johnson run his system here? I'm not sure but will have to battle for a bowl this year.

Virginia-4-8- I think they could surprise me but not sure there is enough there to compete. Al Groh's job is probably on the line.

NC State-4-8- Incredibly hard team to judge in Tom O'brien 2nd year. If they can build some early momentum, they might be able to make a bowl but it's going to be really tough.

Duke-2-10- David Cutcliffe is a good hire and they will get better, but it's still Duke. Not sure the school is committed to a serious football program.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

This year's edition of the Big XII should actually be an improvement on recent years. I'd say the conference firmly places second to only the SEC in terms of quality. Unlike past years, we shouldn't see a big drop off after just two teams.

Despite getting absolutely run over in their bowl game I think big things are in store for Oklahoma this year. Right behind them and a possible national title contender is Texas and Missouri, but I wouldn't bank on either of these teams. Following that group at the top are a fair amount of teams that could play a spoiler role in the conference (A&M, Texas Tech, Kansas, Oklahoma St).

Team Projections

Oklahoma- 12-0- I really love the balance they have on offense. Stoops can prove he is still a great coach with this group.

Texas-10-2- I get the feeling Mack Brown kind of softened up a bit after winning the national title. He needs to stop that and crank it back up. There is too much talent here not to compete for the national title every year. This team should be better than last year, but not quite elite.

Missouri- 10-2- I tend to think this group is a little overrated and headed for a crash, but the schedule is easy enough that they will be on the cusp of a BCS bowl again.

Texas Tech- 9-3- Perhaps the best chance to crash the BCS party. Offensive numbers might be even bigger than usual, but the defense is still no where near championship level.

Texas A&M- 7-5- Interested to see what Mike Sherman can do here as the cupboard wasn't left totally bare. Tradition rich program needs a shot in the arm.

Oklahoma State-7-5- Mike Gundy has done a good job of keeping up with what Les Miles started. I'm guessing he turns 41 this year.

Kansas-7-5- They played perhaps the easiest schedule in the country last year, but did win their bowl. My guess is they lost too much on defense and take a major step back. Should still have enough to make a bowl and maybe win the north division.

Nebraska- 6-6- Pelini should be able to get things back on track here, but it's going to take some time. Easily enough talent to make a bowl game so that should be the goal.

Colorado- 5-7- The schedule is really tough so it's going to be hard for them to make a bowl, but I really like what Dan Hawkins is doing here. In two years they should be able to contend for the conference title.

Kansas State- 5-7- Interesting squad and I like Ron Prince as a coach as well as QB Josh Freeman. Will have to fight to make a bowl game but always a fun team to watch.

Iowa State- 4-8- Not really sure where this program is headed. Would keep expectations low this year.

Baylor- 2-10- I'm a huge Art Briles fan and he'll improve this program, but if he can get this team in a bowl this year or next that's an amazing coaching job.

This is without a doubt the best football conference in America. There are a lot of reasons for that and maybe in other post I'll go into some of those- but not here, not today. I think this conference could have 4 legitimate national title contenders in Florida, Georgia, LSU and Auburn. Despite what some pundits say I do believe someone can get through this conference undefeated, at least going into the conference title game. Right behind that group is Tennessee, which might be good enough to compete with those big 4. After that, the rest of the teams are largely unknown but I think all are capable of making a bowl with the exception of Vandy.

Team Predictions

Florida- 12-0- Yes I have them undefeated. The biggest thing for this team will be if can they establish any sort of vertical running game and can they improve in the secondary. I think they can do both.

Georgia-10-2- Perhaps the most hyped team coming into the season. I'm not sold. I was a fan last year but that offense didn't perform nearly enough and don't give me that the bowl game was an example of anything. 3/4 of the BCS conference teams would have beat the shit out of Hawaii.

LSU- 10-2- Skill position questions, but I think they will scrap together a nearly great season.

Auburn-9-3- If they can break in a new QB watch out. Good coach, but probably not enough to get through the season perfect.

Alabama- 8-4- I don't like putting this team at 8-4 but I will. Saban is building here, it could be scary in a couple of years.

Tennessee- 9-3- I think they're just a couple of pieces away from competing for a national title this year. Fulmer better watch out if he does anything less than what is predicted as he is under increased scrutiny.

South Carolina- 7-5- Spurrier might top my list of most overrated coaches. He's recruited well here though and I expect to see them back in a bowl.

Ole Miss- 6-6- I think Houston Nutt can coach and Ogeron had been stockpiling some talent here- he just ran out of time. Should finally be back in a bowl game this year.

Arkansas- 6-6- A strange program to judge, as they have huge expectations and not a ton of history to back it up. Despite the transition to a new coach they should be right on the edge of a bowl game again.

Mississippi St- 5-7- I'm not sure how this team got to a bowl game last year, I don't see them getting back to one.

Kentucky-5-7- Hard team to judge last year, but probably lost too much off a decent team.

Vandy- 4-8- They will flat out never compete in this league in the current format. I do respect their coach and their effort though.

The second installment of the college football preview feature the conference nearest and dearest to my heart. To get right into it....

Obviously the Big Ten has gotten a bad rap the past few years (somewhat deservingly) . This yeah the conference should be better but still not quite the quality of the SEC or Big XII for the time being. These things work in cycles and it's nothing to be concerned about.

I might be crazy but I think the Big Ten has 3 legit title contenders in Ohio State, Wisconsin and Penn State with the latter two being of the sleeper variety. After that group there are some solid teams that should be bowl bound that includes: Illinois, MSU, and Michigan.

In honor of Rich Rod's first year at Michgan I offer you this song parody. WARNING- It's probably not safe for work.

Projected Records:

Ohio State-11-1- I want to say this team is going to go undefeated, but I can't. I have a sneaking suspicion they might even lose two games, but I won't say that. This team is more loaded talent wise than any other Tressel team. The D-tackles remain a question-mark.

Penn State- 10-2- Maybe my biggest sleeper team going into the season, I think they have a chance to be very good. If they get any play at quarterback it will be an improvement over last year, I sometimes think people forget how terrible Morelli was. Question marks linger at QB, RB, and linebacker.

Wisconsin-10-2- Always solid and they have more skill position talent than they have had in the past couple of seasons. Could be the break out season.

Michigan State-7-5- Dantonio is turning this program around, but it might not happen this year. They are getting close, but the schedule doesn't set up well.

Michigan- 7-5- I originally had them at 8-4 and downgraded them a game. Obviously one of the teams I'm most interested in seeing as I really have no idea what they are going to look like. My first guess is Rich Rod won't fully implement his system this year as there just isn't the players in place to make it work. Expectations are low but anything less than a bowl game would be a failure- there is too much talent there for that.

Illinois-7-5- The surprise of last year. They know how to win now and things are looking up, but they lost a lot and I'm not a Juice Williams fan. They take a step back this year, but could be right back in it next year.

Purdue-6-6- Joe Tiller has built the program and heads into his last year up front. He might pull out some stops but I still don't think there is enough defense in place to finish any better.

Indiana- 6-6- Maybe the best story in college football last year with their "play 13" theme. I'm a huge Kellen Lewis fan, but his off the field troubles hurt the team. Still there is some talent here, but it will be a tough go of things. Will be teetering on the edge of a bowl game again.

Iowa-6-6- I'm just not a fan of this team. The d-line should be solid, but is there anything else? The schedule is pretty east so 6-6 is possible, but I wouldn't be shocked to see them take a serious step back.

Northwestern-4-8- There is more talent at the skill positions than people think but it's just not enough. Not a team to sleep on though, you'll have to work to beat them.

Minnesota-4-8- Brewster is supposedly a hell of a recruiter so give him some time. Better than last year, but probably not nearly good enough for a bowl.

All-Big Ten Team

QB- Todd Boeckman, OSUDE- Maurice Evans, PSU

RB- Beanie Wells, OSUDT- Mitch King, Iowa

RB- Javon Ringer, MSUDT- Terrance Taylor, Michigan

WR- Brian Robiske, OSUDE- Greg Middleton, IU

WR-Derrick Williams, PSULB-James Laurinaitis, OSU

TE- Tyler Beckum, WiskyLB- Marcus Freeman, OSU

OL- Alex Boone, OSULB- Jonathan Casillas, Wisky

OL- Kraig Urbik, WiskyCB- Malcom Jenkins, OSU

OL- Steve Rehring, OSUCB- Vontae Davis, Illinois

OL- Gabe Carimi, Wisky S- Anderson Russell, OSU

OL- AQ Shipley, PSU S- Shane Carter, Wisky

Top Newcomers- Just to note these are guys who I think will come in and play right away. They might not be the best recruits, but they will be the guys who make the most immediate impact.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Before I get started a little notice here that I will be out of town for the rest of the weekend, thus unable to post most likely. Not that anyone gives a shit, but I made a promise to post here all week and like most promises I make in my life, I'm going to break it.

Alright, a little explanation here. As I devour as much information as I can about the upcoming college football season I tend to make predictions and such. This typically includes me creating a top 25, heisman list, conference breakdowns, and all-conference teams. Included in this cycle I typically go through every division 1A team and predict their final record. I've been doing this for about 5 years now, but it rarely is viewed by any outside eyes. This year you are in luck.

I'll be posting all of this on FRD and updating it regularly. Usually I start this process around Aug. 1, but with nothing to do these days and law school kicking off in mid-Aug, I'm going to start a little early this year. In order to make the process a little more manageable, I'll be breaking down the conferences one at a time- leading up to a pre-season top 25 and Heisman list. Today will be the Pac 10- Enjoy.

Last year people said the Pac 10 was perhaps the 2nd best conference in football (I didn't agree) so this year it takes a step backwards. It's the same story as usual- USC then everybody else. I look for ASU, UCLA and Cal to battle for runner-up.

***Lots can happen before the start of the season so these are very rough***Team Projections- predicted record- short preview

USC- 11-1- They're good, we know that. They probably have more talent than anyone else in the country and they have a certain aura around them that suggests they are the premier program in the country. Obviously a huge game looms with OSU on sept. 13th. Sadly, I think they're the slight favorite to win that game. I'm not sold they're the best team in the country though. You're looking at a o-line replacing 4 starters, and until one of the running backs begins to stand out they could have issues.

UCLA- 7-5- One of the teams I'm most interested to see this season. Rick Neuheisel is back in the college game where he belongs and he brings with him Norm Chow. There is some talent here so they have the potential to be better than expected. Tough injuries in spring ball set them back

Oregon- 7-5 I think Mike Belloti is a joke and we all saw what happened when Dixon went down last year. They simply lost too much.

Cal- 7-5- Talent is down from past seasons. Kevin Riley will get his chance at QB but last I saw of him he was totally fucking up so good luck with that.

Arizona-6-6- Can Stoops finally turn it around? They have some interested playmakers on O but that defense loses a ton.

Washington- 4-8- I'm a huge Jake Locker fan, but that schedule is tough. Ty might have to win some more games to save his job.

Oregon State- 4-8- It's hard to judge this team because they rely so heavily on Juco players but I think they are taking a step back this year.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

I'm in full on college football mode already. I know it's only early July and baseball time but I can't control myself. It consumes blocks of my time everyday. And it's not just Ohio State's upcoming season that I'm excited about, it's every possible game. August 28th can't get here soon enough and I feel more prepared for this college football season than any before (mind you I am now two years removed from actually being in college).

So recently I've finished the book Saturday Rules by Austin Murphy of SI. It's pretty much pulp and a quick read but it's fairly entertaining. Despite the somewhat overwhelming coverage of USC and Notre Dame it still manages to make some good points and helped me to relive the 2006 college football season- which might have been the best time of my life up until a particular bowl game I prefer to forget.

One of the things that stands out is the author talks about his years covering both college football and the NFL and the difference between the two. This brings up the age old argument of which is better- college or pro football?

I'll admit I'm completely biased in this argument. I simply have zero passion toward the NFL. I'm a mid-west kid who was weaned on the BIg Ten and I will never accept any substitute. It's an argument no one can win, you're either going to like one or the other and there is no point I can make that will change your point of view. Obviously, I accept that the level of football being played in the NFL is a higher quality, but I actually think that is one of its fatal flaws. The game has become so well played and so fast that it's not fun- it's all the same. Murphy makes the point that if two NFL teams played a game and were to switch jerseys at half-time would you be able to tell the difference simply by style of play. I don't think you could.

To me, that's what makes the college game so great. Tradition, passion, rivalry and variety are what helps to make the game an absolute religion to many.

So ultimately this post solves nothing, but just helped to ramp up my college football jones. I've decided to make a list of all the things that makes college football great and you can not find in the pro game, which I will list below:

Monday, July 7, 2008

Alright before I get to the heart of this post I figured I would mention a couple of things. 1) Yeah there hasn't been a lot of new material here recently, but that's going to change. Expect a new post everyone day this week from Detroit Browne. 2) I'm not promising they will be good, I'm going to throw some things up just to get the ball rolling they might be hit or miss, but hopefully will encourage some more action around here....

Anyways, my hometown of Grand Blanc, Michigan was in the news recently as it tends to be when it hosts the Buick Open. The Open, as locals call it, is a mid-tier PGA tournament as it has been for the past 50 years. When the tour started up the FedEx Cup the Open was moved from late August to late June, and has pretty much hit the shits. I'm sure the rest of the tour is struggling without Tiger, but the Buick seriously needs him.

The tournament has always had a blue-collar reputation on tour as sort of a party tournament. If you need some background info refer to the wikipedia entry. So while it's never been Augusta, it has still held some class, it's a god-damn golf tournament, it has tumbled downhill the past two years.

As a Grand Blanc-er (I'm not sure this is the right word), this tournament is near and dear to my heart. For us locals the tournament marked the highlight of the summer, especially for the younger crowd. For a city that consists of basically housing subdivisions and golf courses we relish the beer tents and commerce that the tournament has brought with it. If I had time I could tell a million stories, some of my most entertaining, about the years I've been there.

But like I've said the tournament has headed downhill recently. I give you exhibit A....Yes that is Kid Rock and John Daly playing the pro-am on Wednesday. I'm guessing this picture if from the front side, because at some point on the back 9 Rock decided to ditch the shirt under his overalls. I didn't make it home in time for the pro-am this year so I missed this spectacle in person, but by all reports Rock spent more time slamming beers, shots of jager , and signing autographs than he did playing golf. You may notice that tallboy of Bud heavy he is drinking in that photo, later in the round Big John decided to hit one of his tee shots of the empty and good times were had by all white trash in attendance. If you find yourself asking, "where the hell did he get a tallboy of bud?" let me explain. This year the tournament decided to ditch $5 cups of beer that have been a tradition and sell 24 oz. cans of Bud and Bud Light for $8. I even purchased one myself from a roaming beer salesmen (like the kind they have at baseball games, I'm not kidding) on Sunday near 17 green.

It's not that I hate this stuff at the tournament, I agree it's kind of fun and in the true spirit of the Buick. But c'mon would you want this guy running around your course...

The tournament didn't get all bad pub. Some guy from the golf channel says it's the second best stop on tour. Unfortunately, he also refers to it being in Flint, which Grand Blanc is not- not a very nice comparison there. BTW, I've visited all the places he mentions in the acticle and have to say his experiences are a little different than mine. Who knows, maybe PGA golfers like grinding on 30 something white trash- which is all that happens at maxie's.

With all that out of the way, check out the site below and watch some of the videos. They are some of the funniest things I've seen recently and have nothing to do with sports. I'll give you the warning that the ducktales and Cheers ones might not be safe for work, but are easily my favorites. Alf is definitely NSFW so beware.http://www.fatalfarm.com/tvthemes.html

Friday, July 4, 2008

Doc Porter is right. Fire Reggie Dunlop can never die. It is a fire that burns within us. We are bloggers and we must blog. Just post shit. No one reads it but us anyway, let's be serious here. I commend you, Good Doctor, for making me see the light. That light is Reggie Dunlop and it burns bright. Today is our Independence Day!

Fuck this garbage- the doctor may have been on vacation but he's not about ot let this blog go under. It's time for some prescription rambling delivered by none other than Dr. Gerald Porter. (ROLLING UP SLEEVES.)

Billy Joel may be one of the most underrated artists of all time. First of all, piano playing is underrated by most crowds even though in olden times piano playing was held in the same regard as being in a boy band- women loved it and it was very popular. It was like being a rock star.

Translate that to today- who is the biggest piano playing rock star? The arguement already narrows down to two people in my mind- Elton John and Billy Joel. Now, Elton John is possibly the best piano player of our era, but his legacy is tainted because he is stuck on the piano. Whenever we see Elton John, he will bo sitting at a bemch playing. Billy joel suffers from no such boundaries. I will refer to the video for the song "You may be right" to prove that Billy Joel is the rock star piano player that the world has been waiting for since beethoven. He can sing, dance and crash into walls without skewing his reputation. He's the Babe Ruth of music.

If I were Aaron Rodgers and Brett farve returned to the Packers, I would demand a trade- immediately.

If you don't agree that "Lost" is the best drama on television right now, possibly ever, then you need to get your head examined, cunt-face. Yeah, I said cunt-face.

The Incredible Hulk movie was just as I expected- totally underrated. It had everything a Hulk movie should have and it was the most enjoyable theater experience I've had other than "Iron Man". The Hulk looked mean. "Iron Man" is the movie that made me want to be a millionaire but "The Incredible Hulk" made me want to be the strongest one there is. I started working out after I saw it. I'm serious.

I can't wait for "The Dark Knight"

If the Blackhawks don't win Lord Stanley's Cup in the next three years, I will kill myself. That's a promise.